(2022) BAMBOO SHRIMP COMPLETE CARE GUIDE

Bamboo Shrimps are members of the Atyopsis genus of crustacean invertebrate freshwater shrimps, known for their peaceful behaviors. It is a very popular shrimp among the fishkeepers and is used for adding interest in the aquariums. Adding the Bamboo Shrimps in your tank will make your tank environment and ecosystem look more authentic, and the fish would also enjoy the company of these small creatures. It is a perfect species for those who do not know much about fishkeeping and taking care of shrimp species inside a tank.

Marrabbio2, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It is capable of taking care of itself and can survive the changes in the tank conditions. That is why even new fishkeepers are encouraged to put them in their tanks so that they can learn about the behaviors, and about taking care of shrimps inside a fish tank. The article below will help you take care of your Bamboo Shrimps as it contains complete care guidelines.

Facts Table

FamilyAtyidae
Care LevelMinimum, beginner level
ColorReddish-Brown
Lifespan2 Years
Size2 to 3 inches
DietOmnivore
Freshwater/SaltwaterFreshwater
CompatibilityPeaceful Aquarium Fish Communities.


Tank Companions

Bamboo Shrimp is known for being a peaceful species of shrimp, that minds its business inside the tank and does not bother any fish species. It likes the presence of other members of its species, so you should never keep them alone inside a tank. Introduce at least 4 or more Bamboo Shrimps inside the tank. This would provide them with the healthy community that they need. There is a long list of peaceful fish species that you can add to their aquarium. There are three factors to consider while selecting the perfect tank companions for the Bamboo Shrimps.

First of all, make sure that you are not introducing them in a tank that is full of large fish species. Because in that case, they might get eaten by the fish. So, make sure that you do not put them in a tank with large fish species and always select a tank with the appropriate size of fish inside it. Fish species of 3 to 5 inches size are perfect for the Bamboo Shrimp as they cannot hurt or eat them.

Apart from the size, you will have to think about the behavior of the fish. These shrimps live in the bottom of the tank, meaning that if you put them with a bottom dweller fish, that might create problems and territorial disputes. To avoid such instances, make sure that you do not introduce them into a bottom dweller fish tank. Also, make sure that the tank where you are introducing the Bamboo Shrimp contains peaceful fish species with social behaviors. Because if your fish are aggressive, it might also give rise to skirmishes, and bullying of your shrimps inside the tank.

The third, and most important thing is to make sure that the fish and your shrimp can live inside a similar environment. There are a lot of fish species that need different care conditions and need water parameters to be different. For example, you cannot introduce them into a saltwater fish tank because the water chemistry would kill them immediately. So, make sure that the fish and shrimp are compatible with the environment. Apart from fish, you can also pair them with other invertebrates. Here is a list of the top candidates for tank companion of Bamboo Shrimp.

These are all of the tank mates that you can pair with the Bamboo Shrimps. But there are a lot of fish species that you cannot pair with the Bamboo Shrimps. These species of fish would look at the Bamboo Shrimps as food and would eat them or bully them.

These are a few examples of fish species that would not be compatible with your Bamboo Shrimps.

Species Overview

Bamboo Shrimps are some of the best invertebrate tank mates that you can find for your aquarium. They have a peaceful nature that makes them compatible with a large variety of fish species. That is why Bamboo Shrimps are extremely popular in fish tanks all over the world. Also, this species of the Shrimps is one of those species that are easy to breed, meaning that a new breeder can experiment on breeding them and can learn about breeding the invertebrate species of the tanks. If you are looking for them, you can find them from a large number of online and offline stores from all over the world.

The scientific name of this species of shrimps is Atyopsis moluccensis, but in fish trading markets it is known with many other names such as the Fan Shrimp, Flower Shrimp, Singapore Flower Shrimp, Singapore Wood Shrimp, Singapore Shrimp, Asian Filter Feeding Shrimp, and Wood Shrimp and many other names. So, when you go to online or offline markets to buy them, you should know their common and trade names and also include their scientific name so that your dealer can know what you need and provide you with the Bamboo Shrimps.

This species of the Shrimps is native to the South Asian countries including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Samoan Islands in the Indian Ocean. It is found in warm tropical rivers, ponds, and lakes with low flow rates and shallow waters. They are mostly found on the sides or corners of these places where they can hide from the predators in the bottom of the river where there are a lot of vegetarians to provide them cover and shelter. In their natural habitats, they can live for up to 2 years. But with proper care in your aquarium, you can hope that they will for more than two years.

It is one of those species that takes time to adjust to the new environment and water conditions. So, when you introduce them in your tank, you should expect that there will be some issues. Some shrimps might die because of the stress of transportation, or water conditions. But those who survive the first few months will be able to adjust themselves to the new environment of the tank.

Appearance

Bamboo Shrimp is an invertebrate that lives in the bottom of the fish tank and can grow up to 3 inches. Unlike the beautiful colors and patterns on the bodies of the aquarium fish, Bamboo Shrimps do not have any intriguing colors or patterns. But their shape is beautiful, and the brown-red color that their bodies display looks beautiful in musky waters at the bottom of the tank. But this reddish-brown coloring on their bodies is not permanent as they change the color from green to orange depending on different conditions.

The color change in their bodies can indicate stress or unhealthy conditions. For example, when your shrimp turn pale, it is a sign that they are under stress, or they are being bullied, or the conditions inside the tank are not favoring their health. Bamboo Shrimps have a shell that hardens over time. They also change color because of that process. They have bodies similar to any other shrimp. Bamboo Shrimps have special “Fans’ ‘ that they use for catching food and swallowing it. On the head of the Bamboo Shrimps, you will find eyestalks and antennae. They use these to sense their environment.

Their eyes can see over a wide area because the eyestalks are above their heads. Bamboo Shrimps have carapace and six abdominal segments. These segments work in a way that they provide the shrimp the ability to turn backward. Also, these segments make it more flexible. At the end of this body is the tail segment which is shaped differently as compared to other segments of the body. Male Bamboo Shrimps and Female Bamboo Shrimps are slightly different from each other. These differences make them easy to spot and identify separately. It helps during the breeding seasons. The limbs of the male shrimp are also different from the female shrimp.

Origin and Habitat

Bamboo Shrimps are native to Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and the Samoan Islands. They live in tropical, warm waters where the flow of rivers is slow and they can live in the bottom layer of the lakes, rivers, and freshwater streams. Their natural habitat contains a lot of vegetation, stones, and soft sandy bedding. It is a bottom-dwelling species, meaning that it lives in the bottom of these places and feeds on whatever it can find in the bottom.

Bamboo Shrimp Lifespan

The lifespan of Bamboo Shrimps in their native habitat is up to 2 years. But with proper care inside a tank environment, they can live for more than 2 years. There are also instances where the Bamboo Shrimps die after being introduced into a new tank. According to experts, it happens because of the stress that Bamboo Shrimp faces, also the conditions of the tank can kill them. So, before introducing your entire stock in your tank, just add one and see if it survives in your tank. If it survives, you can buy more and add them, but if it does not, you will have to adjust the settings of your tank. Once the conditions are perfect for them, and they get acclimated to the new place, they will be able to live for more than two years in your tank.

Bamboo Shrimp Tank Conditions

If you are buying the Bamboo Shrink for your tank, you will have to make sure that your tank has the right type of conditions that support their growth and that can help them live longer. You can do this by providing the Bamboo Shrimps a similar environment as their native habitat. To make a perfect tank for your Bamboo Shrimp, you need to know that they live in the bottom of the tank, so that part should be the focus of your attention. Here are a few factors that you will need to consider for building a perfect tank for the Bamboo Shrimps.

Tank Size

The first thing that you need to consider is the size of the tank for a healthy population of Bamboo Shrimps. This is a small species of invertebrates, meaning that they would need a small space to live, forage, and swim. So, you can use small tanks for them. But if you have a bigger tank, that would be much better for the Bamboo Shrimps. You can use a 10 gallons tank if you are pairing the Bamboo Shrimps with fish species that swim in the middle layer and rarely visit the bottom.

But if you are pairing them with bottom-dweller fish species, you will need to select a larger tank. Because you will have to provide more space for both the fish and shrimps. You should use a larger tank with 20 to 30 gallons capacity for a larger fish and Bamboo Shrimp pairing. But you can also use the 10 gallons tank if you are using a small population of fish, and Bamboo Shrimps. Tank size is very important, because it not only provides your Bamboo Shrimps with more place to live and forage, it also helps keep peace inside the tank and avoid skirmishes.

Tank Setup

After you are done with the size of the tank, it is time for you to start preparing a habitat inside the tank that you have selected. Make sure that you select a tank that is wide, and long, but not too high. Start from the bottom layer, because the Bamboo Shrimps live in the bottom layer. You can add fine-grain substrate, soft sand, and some stones to the bottom of the tank. Make sure to add them in layers to create a more natural look. After that, you can spread decorations of different types in the tank’s bottom layer. You will also have to put some aquatic plants inside the tank. The Bamboo Shrimps like to climb these plants.

If you live in a cold region, you will need to add a water heater inside your tank to control the water temperature all the time. The ideal water temperature for the Bamboo Shrimps is between 75 to 81°F. Make sure that your heater is set to 75 or 76°F for most of the time. Don’t let it go below 75 or above 82. Apart from an internal heater, you will also have to use a strong filtration system to provide flow in the water and to keep your water clean. Also, it would help you add more oxygen to your tank. Apart from these, you will also have to use standard aquarium lights to provide light to your Bamboo Shrimps inside the water.

Tank Parameters/Water Conditions

Apart from the tank setup, there are water conditions that are also very important. Because these water conditions directly impact the health of your Bamboo Shrimps. These conditions keep them healthy and allow them to live long inside your aquarium. If these water conditions or parameters are not controlled, your Bamboo Shrimps would start to die. There are three main parameters.

  • First, the temperature is the most important parameter that needs to be controlled. The Bamboo Shrimps are native to tropical waters where the water temperature remains about 75 to 81°F all year long. So, make sure that your tank’s water temperature is also in this range.
  • Second, the pH of the water inside the tank is also very important. It helps maintain the overall chemistry of your tank water and impacts the health of your shrimps that drink that water. So, make sure that you provide them pH close to neutral. A pH level of 7.0-7.5 would be fine for the Bamboo Shrimps.
  • Third, the hardness of the water also plays a pivotal role in maintaining the health of your Bamboo Shrimps. So, make sure that the hardness of the water inside your tank remains about 15 to 15dGH.

As these parameters directly impact the health and well-being of your Bamboo Shrimps, you must maintain them according to the recommendations. Also, find the fish species that can live in this spectrum of temperature, pH, and hardness.

Tank Water Source

You can use water from multiple sources. For example, you can use river water, aqueduct water, tap water, water from your local lakes, and RO water. Using the RO water is better because all of the other sources of water contain some contaminants that are not good for the health of the Bamboo Shrimps. For example, tap water contains chlorine, which is harmful to Bamboo Shrimps. The river, lakes, and ponds also contain some contaminants that are not supposed to be in the water. So, if you are using water from any of these sources, make sure that you test it and filter it using reverse osmosis techniques. After that, you can add that water into your aquarium for the Bamboo Shrimps.

Bamboo Shrimp Behavior and Temperament

Bamboo Shrimps are known for being very social, peaceful, bottom dwellers and plants climbers. They get along with a large number of fish species and aquatic invertebrates. Bamboo Shrimps are natural explorers, you will see that they are always moving or searching for the food inside the tank. Bamboo Shrimps like to filter water for food, and you will find them in various places inside the tank where the flow of the water allows them to do that.

Similar to other shrimp species, you will see that they shed their exoskeleton and a new exoskeleton takes the place of the old one. This helps them keep growing while retaining a strong exoskeleton. They also show a hiding behavior, during the process of molting. It is a social species, meaning that it likes the company of others from its species. That is why you should never keep them alone. Also, you should put some other invertebrates in the tank to provide them company.

Diet

The diet of this species is an omnivore, but their feeding style is distinct. Bamboo Shrimps use filter-feeding methods to intake their food. It would find a perfect spot for itself, where the current of water is perfect and it would sit on that place. The hands of the Bamboo Shrimps help them attract microorganisms, plant matter, and food. Bamboo Shrimps also eat small fish species that they can trap. You can feed them fine-grained or powdered high-quality ground-up flakes food. Also, you can add frozen foods like daphnia or live foods such as brine shrimp nauplii or decapsulated eggs of fish species. Most of the time, you will not even have to worry about their food because they can find their food.

Bamboo Shrimp Breeding

You can breed the Bamboo Shrimps, but it is a difficult process. You will have to control several factors. For example, the Bamboo Shrimp adults can not live in the brackish water but the young ones need the brackish water to develop. So, you will have to separate them, and it would prevent the acclimatization issues.

Here are a few things that you should do to breed the Bamboo Shrimps.

  • Create two special breeding tanks one with fresh water and one with brackish water. Add a female and male in that tank. Make sure that the tank has everything that they would need including the right conditions and food.
  • A female would produce about 2000 orange eggs and the male would fertilize these eggs. Females would carry these eggs for 40 days after that these eggs would start to turn into larvae that would come out.
  • You should quickly transfer the larvae into brackish water with a salinity of about 1.024. If you do not transfer them immediately, they will die within a day or two.
  • There is special Bamboo Larvae food available that you can buy and feed your Bamboo Shrine larvae.
  • You will have to keep the larvae in brackish water for up to 90 days. During this time, it would develop complete body structure and would be able to swim. Now, you can introduce them to your original tank.

You will have to acclimate them before putting them in the freshwater, drop the salinity of the tank a little every week, and once you reach the normal level. They will be ready for the transfer. Transferring them without acclimatization will kill them, so you will have to be careful at this step.

Bamboo Shrimp Diseases

Bamboo Shrimps are known for attracting multiple waterborne diseases. This is because they take their food directly from the water. So, if there are any pathogens or pollution inside the water, it would directly impact their health and would make them sick. Here is a list of the possible diseases that you will have to look for.

  • Vorticella: It is a parasite that infects your fish and causes white molds on the fish and shrimp bodies. It is a killer disease meaning that it can kill your fish. You can cure your Bamboo Shrimps using shrimp-safe OTC medication. 
  • Scutariella Japonica: It is a nematode infection that kills the shrimps. It is also a transmissible disease. So, you should quarantine your Bamboo Shrimps, and use medication to treat them.
  • Bacterial infections: There is a variety of bacterial infections that can attack your Bamboo Shrimp population. You can protect your shrimps by keeping the tank clean and using medications that are safe for the shrimps.

All of these problems and diseases happen because of poor water conditions and the parasites are introduced because you brought home an already sick or parasitic fish or shrimp. So, make sure that you keep the tank clean, maintain water conditions and only introduce healthy members into the tank.

Conclusion – Are Bamboo Shrimp Suitable for Your Aquarium?

Yes, if you are looking forward to adding a variety of interesting species, it would be a suitable choice. Here are a few reasons for this. First of all, it would complete your aquatic environment. Because most of the aquatic fish species have some species of shrimps inside their natural habitat. So, adding the Bamboo Shrimps to your tank will help you complete the requirement. Second, these shrimps are easy to take care of. So, even if you are a beginner, you can use them to learn about fishkeeping, and keeping the shrimps and invertebrates into the tanks. There are also a lot of other reasons to support the fact that these are suitable for any aquarium.

FAQs:

Question: How long do Bamboo Shrimps live for?

Answer: Bamboo Shrimps can live for up to 2 years if the conditions are perfect in the tank. Otherwise, their lifespan will be short.

Question: What are the water parameters for Bamboo Shrimp?

Answer: Water parameters for the Bamboo Shrimp tank include temperature at 75 to 81F, pH about 7 to 7.5, and slightly hard water.

Question: Can I keep Bamboo Shrimp in a 5 gallons tank?

Answer: Yes, you can keep the Bamboo Shrimps in a 5 gallons tank, but it would not be an ideal or good situation. You need to use a 10 to gallon tank for the Bamboo Shrimps.

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